Steffi--the Other One--glad To Join Quarterfinals

The one from California who became the youngest player to be ranked on the computer, at 13 years, two months (two months younger than Steffi Graf).

Rehe promised to be one of the new American stars. She won Tampa in 1985, before her 16th birthday, and was voted the WITA`s Most Impressive Newcomer in 1986, after she was ranked No. 13.

But 13 was unlucky for Rehe. She lost a few matches, had a few injuries, changed a few coaches.

Now Rehe, 18, is older, wiser and healthier. And after defeating Patricia Tarabini 6-4, 6-2 Monday, Rehe is happily sitting in the quarterfinals of the Lipton International Players Championships.

``This is the best I`ve ever done in a major tournament,`` said Rehe, who reached the fourth round at the 1986 U.S. Open and `87 French Open. ``I had a good draw, and I`ve played progressively better. I`m playing with a lot of confidence.``

Rehe won an event in Puerto Rico last year and was making a move toward the top again when she was sidelined for six months by a stomach pull, then a groin injury. Now she hopes she`s back on course.

``I got into the Top 20 pretty fast,`` said Rehe, ranked No. 34, who meets Barbara Potter today. ``People expected me to win. I had some losses, but I learned from them. I was playing great, then I got injured.

``I`m only 18 and I`ve got a lot to learn. I can`t worry about what others think. I have to play for myself or there is too much pressure.``

Rehe has played well in Florida. She has won the Orange and Easter Bowl titles as a junior. She won in Tampa and reached the semifinals at Bonaventure one year.

``Florida has been great to me,`` she said. ``I`ve had a lot of success here, and that makes you confident.``